ROCS Bespoke Journeys Uzbekistan

DAY 11 BUKHARA – SAMARKAND

Early morning breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to Samarkand through the vast Kizilkum Desert. The journey offers sweeping views of shifting sands, desert plains, and the timeless landscapes that once shaped the historic Silk Road routes. Samarkand—one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—dates back to the 8th century BC and stands alongside Rome and Athens in historical significance. Often called “the Pearl of the Silk Road,” it has long been celebrated for its majestic architecture, vibrant traditions, and role as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations. The afternoon is dedicated to the first discoveries of this legendary city, beginning with the Shahi Zinda Necropolis, a stunning avenue of mausoleums adorned with some of the finest tilework in Central Asia. Continue to the grand Bibi Khanum Mosque, once one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the Islamic world.

Explore the lively Siab Bazaar—an authentic marketplace brimming with fresh produce, spices, and local specialties—before concluding with a visit to the renowned “Hudzhum” Samarkand Carpet Factory, where you can observe the intricate craft of traditional silk carpet weaving. MESMERISING UZBEKISTAN: TREASURES OF THE SILK ROAD 2026

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